Unapologetic from SBU

It's hoops season! In this episode of the Unapologetic Podcast, hosts Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard engage in a lively discussion with basketball coaches Matt Bollant and Tomas Brock. They share personal basketball memories, coaching journeys, and the importance of building a strong team culture. The conversation delves into the challenges of recruiting at the Division II level and the balance between competition and character development in athletics. The coaches emphasize their commitment to fostering a positive environment for their players while striving for success on the court.
Chapters
02:00 Basketball Memories and Highlights
10:12 Coaching Journeys and Career Highlights
17:57 Building Team Culture and Relationships
24:10 Recruiting Challenges and Strategies
29:50 Balancing Competition and Character Development

In this episode, we explore the rich history of speech and debate at Southwest Baptist University, the significance of debate in personal and professional growth, and the exciting developments within the university's forensics program. Dr. Clint Wooderson, Assistant Professor of Communication Arts and coach for SBU Forensics, joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard to talk about the upcoming year for the team and the direction of the program. Join us for insights on how debate shapes students into effective communicators and future leaders.
Chapters
02:34 The debate about debate: favorite moments and memorable debates05:23 Critique of modern political debates and their lack of substance08:01 Clint Wooderson's background and journey to SBU10:36 History and legacy of the forensics program at SBU16:13 The rhythm and practices of the debate team18:44 Student participation and the growth of the debate team21:53 Hosting the Dairyberry tournament and its significance27:26 Student achievements and upcoming tournaments29:53 Future plans for the debate program and student development32:02 The broader purpose of debate in education and life

Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard dig into some updates from events across SBU, including encouraging enrollment numbers for the Fall 2026 semester with growth across almost every campus. They also spend some time talking about the Department of Education's new Compact for Academic Excellence and its implications for SBU and higher education overall. 
Key Topics
Campus updates and recent events
The importance of encouragement in faith and leadership
Insights on forgiveness and repentance from guest speakers
Strategies for increasing enrollment and maintaining quality education
The role of Christian worldview in higher education
Media reflections on Hillsong and church leadership
The significance of athletic character and resilience
National education initiatives and free exchange of ideas
Chapters
00:00 Campus updates and recent events01:58 Encouragement through faith and community04:46 Upcoming speaking engagements and themes10:05 Media reflections on Hillsong and church leadership14:57 Understanding forgiveness and repentance20:03 Campus athletic highlights and character22:51 Enrollment growth and strategic goals27:07 National education initiatives and free exchange of ideas

In this episode, Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard welcome Minh Dinh, associate director of club sports, and pickleball player Annie Sparks to talk about the introduction of club pickleball at SBU. Minh and Annie share their journeys to SBU, and we also learn more about the growth of club sports on campus and plans for the future.
Keywords
pickleball, college sports, club sports, student leadership, athletic recruitment, character development, SBU, esports, disc golf, tournament streaming
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to SBU's New Club Sports Initiative00:06 Minh and Annie Introduce Themselves and Their Backgrounds00:12 The Origin of the Pickleball Program at SBU00:41 Why Pickleball is Growing Nationwide01:09 Minh Journey from Student to Staff Leader02:02 Recruitment and Building the Team03:07 The Formation of the Pickleball Club04:16 First Tournaments and Competition Experience05:10 Future Plans and Dreaming Big for Club Sports06:08 Character and Sportsmanship in Competition07:39 The Role of Streaming and Tournament Opportunities08:37 Closing Remarks and Opportunities for Students
 

 
In this episode, David Mathis of Desiring God joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard to share his journey from college to ministry, explore the concept of Christian hedonism, and discuss his recent writings on the glory of Christ and leadership. Listeners will gain insights into biblical joy, spiritual disciplines, and the importance of delighting in God.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Purpose01:51 David Mathis's Background and Ministry03:48 Recent Writings and Book Projects07:58 The Concept of Christian Hedonism12:08 The Glory of Christ and Meditations15:51 David Mathis's Personal Life and Family20:08 Ministry in Minneapolis and Pastoral Training23:55 The Growth of Desiring God and Resources27:59 God's Commands for Happiness in Christ31:54 Filling the Heart with Holy Pleasures36:02 Recent Book on the Glory of Jesus40:10 Leadership and Joy in Ministry42:54 Habits of Grace and Discipleship
Key Topics
Christian hedonism and joy in GodDavid Mathis's journey and writingsTheology of the glory of ChristLeadership motivated by joy and delightSpiritual disciplines and their biblical foundation
 

Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard work through ways that AI is impacting education, including at SBU. They talk about the challenges that the technology presents and ways to mitigate those challenges in the classroom. They also reflect on Jonathon's chapel message highlighting the theme of the year, "Rooted and Ready," and preview upcoming events on campus.
Keywords
AI in education, Christian faith, university community, identity in Christ, educational technology, community outreach, student formation
Key Topics
AI integration in higher education
The importance of identity rooted in faith
Community engagement and outreach programs
Balancing technological benefits and risks
Innovations in academic programs in AI and data science
Strategies for teaching and assessing AI use
The role of faith in student formation
University growth and community involvement
 
 
 

Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt look ahead to the fall semester with a number of events on the calendar, including Homecoming, the Great SBU Campout, visit events, and more. They also discuss a recent headline about the University of Michigan dropping letter grades for new students, and what this says about mental health among college students. 
Key Topics
Upcoming campus events including Welcome Weekend, football games, and community outreach
Leadership development and self-awareness in students and staff
Current issues in higher education such as mental health policies and grading systems
The relationship between Missouri Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention
Strategies for engaging students and community in campus life
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections00:23 Upcoming Semester Events and Planning01:18 Football Schedule and Campus Activities02:17 Leadership Books and Personal Development03:01 Semester Kickoff and Welcome Week04:49 Campus Life and Student Engagement06:44 Higher Education Policies and Mental Health11:57 Reading and Learning from Historical Theologians14:51 Spiritual Focus and Eternal Perspective15:45 Leadership and Self-Awareness16:13 Fall Semester Events and Community Outreach21:27 Football and Sports Events22:26 Campus Visit Opportunities and Events23:47 Missouri Baptist Convention and Institutional Relationships27:55 Closing Remarks and Future Plans
 

The Unapologetic Podcast is back for Year 3 of insights and interviews and important updates about Southwest Baptist University. And big news - Jonathon Woodyard is stepping into the interim president seat after Dr. Rick Melson's selection as the next president of Moody Bible Institute. Jonathon and Brandt Merritt discuss this major transition in the life of SBU, as well as recap their summers that included trips to Orlando for the Southern Baptist Convention and a study abroad trip to England that they co-led for a group of students and alumni.
There's a lot to catch up on, so enjoy this episode as we kick off the 2026-2027 academic year in a new studio and with some new intro music!
Key Topics
Leadership transition at SBU due to Dr. Melson's move to Moody Bible Institute
Summer activities including camps, SBC, and alumni events
The England study trip focusing on history, culture, and faith
Strategic planning and future vision for SBU
The importance of being rooted in Christ and prepared for what's next
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview of SBU Transition01:17 New Studio and Summer Reflections03:09 Dr. Melson's Departure and Interim Leadership04:06 Summer Activities and SBC Highlights09:46 England Study Trip Purpose and Experience13:35 Historical and Cultural Insights from England19:38 Leadership Vision and Future Planning24:45 Focus Areas: Numbers, Names, and Next Steps33:31 Being Rooted and Ready for What's Next
Keywords: Higher Education, Christian University, Leadership Transition, Campus Development, Student Engagement, Global Study Trip, England Trip, Strategic Planning, University Future, Faith and Culture

Join Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard as we explore the impactful work of Dr. Matt Kimbrough, division chair and faculty member in the Courts Redford Division of Christian Ministry. Discover his journey from student to professor, the innovative programs at Redford, and how they are preparing students for ministry and church leadership in a changing world. As an SBU alum, Dr. Kimbrough shares his passion for the university and the work it does in shaping lives of the next generation. We also preview summer activities and the upcoming SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of the Guests08:01 Summer Plans and Academic Responsibilities14:03 Matt Kimbrough's Journey to SBU19:01 Teaching Philosophy and Student Engagement24:07 Redford School's Program Developments27:51 The Legacy of Redford and Its Impact32:03 Addressing the Need for Pastoral Leadership33:55 Future Initiatives and Conferences37:02 Encouragement for Spiritual Growth
 

Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard look back on some of the highlights from the Spring 2026 semester at SBU, including chapel speakers, student life events and the spring Board of Trustees meeting. They then spend some time discussing Paul's letter to the Romans, as Jonathon plans to introduce a yearlong study of the book during the 2026-2027 school year. The study would then culminate in a study abroad trip to Rome in Summer 2027. Brandt and Jonathon share personal insights into Romans and how it has helped shape their life and theology.
Chapters
03:26 Campus Events and Community Engagement06:45 Innovations in Health Sciences Education09:31 Future Plans for Biblical Studies and Worldview12:47 Preparing for the Next Academic Year13:40 Exploring Romans: A Journey to Italy19:26 The Significance of Romans in Christian Theology24:38 Understanding Justification and the Gospel31:12 The Transformative Power of Romans35:01 Connecting Paul with the Early Church37:49 Looking Ahead: Future Discussions and Events
Keywords
Romans, Bible study, theology, Christian faith, seminary, biblical studies, church history, justification, salvation, Christian living